Military technology 'could give drier socks'

Former military technology has been harnessed by a shoe manufacturer, which could make wearing other footwear more comfortable, it has been reported.

The BBC explained that the process - called "ion-mask" - makes the target fabric hydrophobic, causing water to bead on any surface.

Shoe manufacturer Hi-Tec has signed with the manufacturers - originally on contract with the Ministry of Defence to make clothing impermeable to chemical weapons - and now could stop socks and tights getting wet from the elements, but also allowing legwear to avoid sweat through its breathability.

Ian Robins, of marketing firm P2i, told the BBC: "That's effectively putting a plastic bag inside the shoe. No water gets inside your shoe, but at the same time that reduces the breathability both in terms of sweat and of heat escaping."

This may be good news for many, as the San Fernando Valley Sun noted that sweaty socks could spread athlete's foot.